Cosmetics Organizer

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a cosmetics organizer that is particularly useful with cosmetics that come in powdered form. One well-known brand of powdered cosmetics is the Bare Escentuals® line of make-up. The cosmetics organizer stores the powdered makeup in a substantially horizontal position by securing the cosmetics container within a one-piece body with a substantially flat top face and a substantially flat bottom face, the faces being substantially parallel. At least one circular edge defines a cylindrical receptacle within the body. The edge extends from the top face into the body. A receptacle base is located within the one-piece body between the top and bottom face, wherein the receptacle base is substantially parallel with said top and bottom faces. A series of receptacles are sized to hold cosmetics applicators, such as brushes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/021,132. Ser. No. 12/021,132 claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/886,938 filed on Jan. 28, 2007, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a cosmetics organizer that is particularly useful with cosmetics that come in powdered form. One well-known brand of powdered cosmetics is the Bare Escentuals® line of make-up.

There are currently on the market many different types of cosmetics organizers, ranging from small bags with compartments to larger box-type structures with trays and inserts. Many of these organizers have achieved patent protection. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,808 (Pierson, 1994) showing a box-type compact with various receptacles for cosmetics and U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,322 (Peterson, 2006) showing a bathroom organizational assembly for toiletries. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,848 (Conley, 1998) shows a lipstick holder that also includes receptacles for other cosmetic devices, such as mascara applicators and eyeliners.

There are many other types of organizers available in other fields, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,822 (Coopmans, 1987) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,079 (Schmidt, 1997) both showing a tool holder with receptacles for various instruments. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,438 (Emanuel, 1997) shows a tube holder with object insertion receptacles. Along these lines, a patent that issued to Acquaviva in 2001 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,862) shows a three dimensional pen holder with receptacles for writing instruments. U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,210 (Milat, 1989) shows a portable table with stabilizing receptacles for desk objects. The problem with these prior patents, however, is that none shows a convenient way to modify the respective design for use with cosmetics, especially powdered cosmetics.

In regard to organizing toiletries, the 1972 Saunders patent (U.S. Pat. No. 3,685,660) shows a toothbrush holder that would attach to a wall and provide a convex receptacle for the brushes. Saunders, however, shows no means of applying the device to the realm of cosmetics.

Another prior cosmetics organizer is available from Belokin et al., as shown in U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2003/0016516 filed on Jan. 29, 2003. Belokin shows receptacles as individual components attached to a display panel. The display panel is a substantially vertical piece with the receptacle components attached to its underside. The display panel requires an attached base panel for a stable construction.

Powdered makeup is quite loose and usually sold in a standard cylindrical jar with a lid. For this reason, powdered makeup is best stored with the bottom of a cylindrical jar flat against a horizontal surface. In this way, accidental spilling of the loose powder is minimized. A need still exists in the field of powdered cosmetics for an organizer that is free-standing, transportable, and accepts cylindrical jars without obstructing the view of the label on the jar.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a flat, one-piece cosmetics organizer in which the top flat surface of the organizer defines receptacles. The receptacles extend only part of the way through the organizer body, forming a horizontal and substantially cylindrical cavity in the organizer. The cylindrical receptacle cavities are of various sizes for holding different types of jars. The receptacles also hold brushes or other make-up application instruments having a handle. Some of the receptacles are sized to fit a make-up applicator handle so that the applicator stands up for easy viewing and selection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a cosmetics organizer according to this invention.

FIG. 2 as a cross sectional view of the cosmetics organizer of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is a cosmetics organizer (10) for storing powdered makeup (20) in a substantially horizontal position. The organizer (10) includes a one-piece body (15) with a substantially flat bottom face (17) and a substantially flat top face (18), said faces being substantially parallel. At least one circular edge (25) defines a cylindrical receptacle (30) within the organizer body (15), wherein the edge (25) extends from the top face (18) into the body (15) of the organizer (10). The receptacle (30) has a receptacle base (40) within the one-piece body (15) of the organizer (10). The receptacle base (40) is located between the bottom and top faces (17, 18), and the receptacle base (40) is substantially parallel with the bottom and top faces (18, 18).

The receptacles (30) may be in a variety of different sizes to securely hold makeup jars (20) of different sizes. The makeup container (20) slides into the receptacle (30) so that the bottom of the jar (20) is flush against the base (40) of the receptacle (30). The jar (20) is then partially surrounded by the body (15) of the organizer (10) and fits within the edge (25) that defines the receptacle (30). The receptacles (30) may be made in any convenient shape to hold the toiletry or makeup to be stored. The depth of the receptacle (30) may be varied, with the preferable depth leaving enough of a makeup jar (20) label sufficiently visible to identify easily the product when the organizer (10) is in use.

The receptacles may be dimensioned to hold makeup applicators, such as brushes (50), in an upright position. Other tools used to work with makeup may also be stored therein. This allows the user to select the appropriate applicator for the task at hand.

In one preferred embodiment, the organizer (10) includes supporting members flat against the bottom of the organizer. The supporting members may be legs or just pieces of material that prevent the organizer from sliding across the surface of a vanity. In a preferred embodiment, the supporting members are pieces of felt or other soft, non-slip materials that prevent the organizer from scratching the surface on which it rests.

The organizer body may be made of any material that can form the one-piece body (15) construction. In a preferred embodiment, the organizer is made of wood, but various metals, plastics and resins would serve the same purpose.

The edges of the organizer can be ninety degree angles or beveled for a more aesthetic appearance.

The one-piece construction gives the organizer a tray configuration for easy retrieval, storage, and transportation.

Because the organizer (10), keeps the cosmetic container (20) flat against the base (40) of the receptacle (30), the organizer (10) is ideal for storing items that easily leak, such as powdered materials or thin liquids that should not be stored at an angle.

The invention is further characterized as a combination of a make-up applicator (50) and cosmetics organizer (10). The cosmetics organizer includes openings or receptacles (54) so dimensioned to directly engage the handle (53) of a makeup applicator (50). In this way, makeup applicators, such as brushes (50) used to apply powdered makeup, are held upright in the organizer to avoid getting wet in certain environments like bathroom countertops. For powdered makeup application, the brush needs to stay dry. Also, after each use, the powered makeup stays on the brush instead of falling to the countertop because the cosmetics organizer (10) holds the brushes in an upright position with said brush above said organizer.

In this regard and without limiting the invention, one embodiment of the invention is a combination of a cosmetics organizer (10) and a makeup applicator (50), wherein the combination is for storing and dispensing powdered makeup from a container (20) having at least one substantially flat face (17, 18). The combination includes a cosmetics organizer (10) that is efficiently made of a one-piece body with a substantially flat top face (18) and a substantially flat bottom face (17), wherein the faces are substantially parallel. A plurality of circular edges (25) define circular, cylindrical receptacles within the body of the organizer, wherein the edges (25) extend uniformly from the top face into the body of the cosmetics organizer. A respective receptacle base (40) is positioned inside the receptacles and within the one-piece body, said receptacle base located between said top face and said bottom face, and wherein the receptacle base is substantially parallel with said top and bottom faces. A removable makeup applicator (50) having an elongated handle (54) connects to a brush for applying powdered makeup, wherein the elongated handle is so dimensioned to directly engage one of the edges (53) defining a first receptacle in the organizer, thereby positioning the makeup applicator in an upright position with said brush above said organizer.

Each brush (50) may be used to apply a different kind of makeup. Individuals vary in the order in which they apply powdered makeup. Accordingly, different individuals may prefer that the brushes (50) be in unique orders customized to the user's makeup application order so that the brushes (50) are interchangeable among receptacles (53). In this embodiment, the receptacles (53) are all of the same size (depth and diameter) so that the brushes can be interchanged in an order to suit the user of powdered makeup.

On the other hand, manufacturers of particular brands of makeup applicators may prefer that the brushes and handles have different sizes and shapes. In this embodiment, the receptacles (53) for holding brushes may be in various shapes and sizes. In one embodiment, the receptacles (53) for holding the brushes are each of a unique diameter so that respective brushes (50) fit within the organizer in a pre-defined order in a predefined receptacle. In all embodiments, the receptacles are dimensioned so that the brushes stand upright.

In the specification and the figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. Specific terms have been used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the invention is set forth in the following claims. 

1. A combination of a cosmetics organizer and makeup applicator, wherein the combination is for storing and dispensing powdered makeup from a container having at least one substantially flat face, the combination comprising: a cosmetics organizer consisting of: a one-piece body with a substantially flat top face and a substantially flat bottom face, said faces being substantially parallel; a plurality of circular edges defining a circular, cylindrical receptacles within said body, wherein said edges extend uniformly from said top face into said body; a respective receptacle base positioned inside the receptacles and within said one-piece body, said receptacle base located between said top face and said bottom face, wherein said receptacle base is substantially parallel with said top and bottom faces; and a removable makeup applicator comprising an elongated handle connected to a brush, wherein said elongated handle is so dimensioned to directly engage one of the edges defining a first receptacle in said organizer, thereby positioning said makeup applicator in an upright position with said brush above said organizer.
 2. A cosmetics organizer according to claim 1, wherein said body is made of wood.
 3. A cosmetics organizer according to claim 1, wherein said body is made of plastic.
 4. A cosmetics organizer according to claim 1, further comprising a makeup container positioned in a second receptacle defined by said organizer, wherein said makeup container is substantially flush with a base of the second receptacle.
 5. A combination according to claim 4 wherein said makeup container is a circular cylinder having a radius that is less than the radius of the receptacle base.
 6. A combination according to claim 1, wherein said makeup applicator is adapted for applying powdered makeup.
 7. A combination according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of makeup applicators engaging a respective plurality of receptacles in said organizer.
 8. A combination according to claim 7, further comprising a plurality of makeup containers in a plurality of receptacles wherein said makeup applicators and said makeup containers occupy separate receptacles.
 9. A combination of a cosmetics organizer and makeup applicator, wherein the combination is for storing and dispensing powdered makeup from a container having at least one substantially flat face, the combination comprising: a cosmetics organizer consisting of: a one-piece body with a substantially flat top face and a substantially flat bottom face, said faces being substantially parallel; a plurality of circular edges defining a circular, cylindrical receptacles within said body, wherein said edges extend uniformly from said top face into said body; a respective receptacle base positioned inside the receptacles and within said one-piece body, said receptacle base located between said top face and said bottom face, wherein said receptacle base is substantially parallel with said top and bottom faces; and a plurality of removable makeup applicators, each makeup applicator comprising an elongated handle connected to a brush, wherein each of said elongated handles have a unique diameter to directly engage a corresponding receptacle with said unique diameter in said organizer, thereby positioning each makeup applicator in an upright position.
 10. A combination according to FIG. 9, wherein said makeup applicators are arranged in a predefined order in respective receptacles.
 11. A combination of a cosmetics organizer and makeup applicator, wherein the combination is for storing and dispensing powdered makeup from a container having at least one substantially flat face, the combination comprising: a cosmetics organizer consisting of: a one-piece body with a substantially flat top face and a substantially flat bottom face, said faces being substantially parallel; a plurality of circular edges defining a circular, cylindrical receptacles within said body, wherein said edges extend uniformly from said top face into said body; a respective receptacle base positioned inside the receptacles and within said one-piece body, said receptacle base located between said top face and said bottom face, wherein said receptacle base is substantially parallel with said top and bottom faces; and a plurality of removable makeup applicators, each makeup applicator comprising an elongated handle connected to a brush, wherein all of said elongated handles have a substantially identical diameter; and wherein a corresponding plurality of said receptacles in said organizer have said substantially identical diameter, thereby allowing each of said elongated handles to directly engage any one of said corresponding plurality of receptacles to maintain said makeup applicator in an upright position. 